Population: 30,320
Surface area: 284.94 sq. km
Altitude: 176m. above sea level

The history of the town of Iglesias is strictly linked to the exploitation of the ore deposits in the area. Archaeological finds have shown that these mineral deposits have attracted trading peoples such as the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans since ancient times. The very varied landscapes and nature of the Iglesias district makes it one of the most interesting regions in Sardinia, with rare treasures waiting to be discovered.

To the north lie the Sant'Angelo di Buoncammino hills and Monte Manganai, constituting a fresh, mountain environment which abounds in holm oak, cork trees, durmast, locust and chestnut trees. These areas are inhabited by wild boar, beech-martens, wildcats, deer, partridges and turtledoves, as well as magnificent eagles and falcons.

To the east lies the Cixerri plain, whilst the sea
stretches away to the west. From the
Masua coast visitors can admire the
impressive Pan di Zucchero rock.

In the past, Iglesias was a rich mining district and this secular activity has left indelible signs, which now constitute part of the archaeological patrimony of the area. Visitors can, in fact, admire the striking, early-industrial architecture of the factories and buildings which made up the mining complex and are of great historic interest.

Monteponi is well worth a visit.

Iglesias also boasts a number of beautiful churches, with styles ranging between Romanesque-Pisan and Gothic-Catalan. In fact, the ancient name for Iglesias was villa di chiesa, the town of the churches.

Among the many other treasure to discover in the town, visitors should not miss
the Museo Minerario. This Mining Museum offers visitors the chance to trace the historic tradition of the island back through time, revealing a vast cultural patrimony created in Sardinia in more than 200 years of mining history.